The guide to Kandy

The last capital of the ancient kings’ era of Sri Lanka, Kandy
is located in the central province and is home to one of the most
sacred places of worship in the Buddhist world;The Temple of the Tooth,
which was declared a
world heritage site by UNESCO in 1988.
The city remains dry from January to April, and it rains from May onwards, but
the weather remains cool through out, you can choose your travel months
accordingly. We preferred the drier season as Kandy is best explored on foot.

The best way to reach:The town of Kandy is located two hours
from Bandaranaike International Airport or two and a half hours from Colombo
Fort by train. The train ride
from Colombo to Kandy is one of the most scenic rides in the world! Rushes of
lush green trees, hills, rock formations, tiny villages and the beautiful play
of colours in the sky. The picture becomes all the more dramatic as the sun
sets and the train approaches the enthralling highlands. The baby pink and grey
sky welcomes you to a cute little railway station. It is advisable to book the
tickets in advance for first class reservations (INR 200-500 approx). Catch the
train from Colombo Fort Railway Station.

One Day in Kandy

Cabs can easily
be hired for a one day tour in the city and the surroundings (INR 2000
approx). The tour usually takes you around: The Tea Factory- Kadugannawa, where you can
learn all about the process of tea making from the tea gardens to your cup! See
vintage tea machinery and enjoy a cup of fresh tea. The Pinnawala
Elephant Orphanage, nursery and captive breeding ground for wild
Asian elephants located at Pinnawala village, 13 km northeast of Kegalle town
has the largest herd of captive elephants in the world. You can witness
them walking around, taking baths, feeding their young ones whilst enjoying a
meal in one of the restaurants near the Orphanage.The Sri Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the Sacred
Tooth Relic is a Buddhist temple located in the royal palace complex of
the former Kingdom of Kandy, which houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha.
The Royal Botanical
Gardens are not just a beautiful hang out for the locals but travellers also
visit to witness the charm of the flora and fauna, it is spread across 147
acres comprising of 4000 species of plants which include a massive collection
of orchids.

Do not miss

•Sip the Sri Lankan King coconuts also know as Thembili, native to Sri Lanka, these are also sweeter and tastier than
the regular coconuts.

•There are Ayurvedic centres where you can learn all about the herbs
and their benefits and even buy products (They may or may not be genuine)

•Try the local cuisine at Champs restaurant on your way back to Kandy, you will also cross a bridge whereyou will get to see swarm of flying fox fruit
bats hanging in trees; a moment worth experiencing.

•In the evening take a walk around the Lake and head to the
local night market.

•Sam’s, a local hangout in the main market is a good option
for Chinese.